DEC seeking assistance in locating black bear dens

Submitted

Thu, Mar 3rd 2016 03:50 pm

This winter, State
Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologists are seeking the
public's help to learn about new black bear dens throughout New York. As part
of DEC's ongoing monitoring of black bears in New York, wildlife biologists
routinely check on black bears during the winter den season. The bears may be
fitted with a radio collar to help biologists track the bears' activities
throughout the rest of the year and to relocate dens in subsequent years for
monitoring cub production, condition and survival.

"There is great value in
having resident participation for this type of wildlife research," DEC Acting
Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "DEC's wildlife biologists use public feedback
from these studies as a guidance measure for future wildlife management and
planning efforts.

"I encourage anyone that
encounters a bear den to follow our safety instructions and reach out to their
local DEC office for reporting."

Bears may den in a rock
crevice, tree cavity or under heavy brush or fallen tree. Since female bears
generally give birth sometime in January or early February, a high-pitched
squeal from the cubs may be audible if you are near a den. If anyone finds a
bear den, DEC strongly urges the public to not approach or disturb the den, but
simply to note the location and move away from the den site.